Mazda CX-5 review - MPG, CO2 and running costs

The simple engine choice for the Mazda CX-5 means that some rivals with a broader spread of powertrains are cheaper to run. SUVs such as the SEAT Ateca and Peugeot 3008 offer downsized petrol engines claiming greater efficiency, but the units in the CX-5 are more frugal than their size would suggest. That’s because of Mazda’s low-friction, low compression SkyActiv engine tech, allowing the performance of a larger engine but, when driven sensibly, the economy of something smaller.

In the pursuit of cleaner emissions Mazda has also added 24V mild-hybrid technology and cylinder deactivation across the range. The system shuts down two of the engine's four cylinders under light load, contributing to an 9g/km reduction in CO2.

Under the latest WLTP test procedure, the 2.0 e-SkyActiv G petrol is able to return up to 43.5mpg (combined) with the manual gearbox, and 40.9mpg for the six-speed auto-equipped version, although higher spec cars on bigger wheels and with more kit will deliver poorer figures. The 2.5-litre car delivers up to 37.2mpg on the combined cycle.

The SkyActiv-D diesel also delivers different figures depending on the car's spec. Both the 148bhp (no longer available from new) and 181bhp manual versions manage a best combined figure of 50.4mpg, while adding the auto box sees this reduce to 46.3mpg. Adding all-wheel drive means the figures drop to 44.8mpg for the manual, and 42.8mpg for the auto.

Emissions for the CX-5 see the petrol car ranging from 146-171g/km, while the diesels sit between 147-173g/km. However, rivals such as the Peugeot 3008, Skoda Karoq and hybrid-equipped Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 are less polluting.

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Insurance Groups

The stronger, safer CX-5 looks to be competitive in terms of insurance costs. The petrol is the cheapest, starting at group 15, which puts it on par with a 148bhp petrol Karoq. The CX-5 diesels slot into group 18 to 24, depending on which variant you choose.

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Depreciation

The Mazda CX-5 has residual values in the region of 50 per cent for petrol versions, with diesel variants a little behind on 47 per cent - all of which means it should perform slightly stronger on the used market than a Peugeot 3008 or Skoda Karoq.

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